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Jared Pozarnsky
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"Both of us grew up visiting our grandparents on a regular basis, and we wanted our kids to have that as well." |
According to Plan
Opportunities Abound in Energy Industry
Jared Pozarnsky relearned a driving skill when he returned to North Dakota after living eight years in Dallas-keeping his hand on the wheel so he could return the wave of oncoming drivers.
"I kept forgetting to wave because I wasn't used to doing that in Texas," he said. "That's one thing that's unique about North Dakotans. People are down to earth and personable."
Coming Home
Pozarnsky grew up outside of Hazen and attended two years at UND before completing his electrical engineering degree at NDSU in 1999.
"I had always planned to move out of state for a few years to see what was out there," he said. He landed an internship in Dallas his senior year and was offered a job when he graduated. "When I left, it was always my plan to return to North Dakota."
Returning became an even bigger issue when he and his wife, Hiedie, a Dickinson native and UND graduate, began having children. "Both of us grew up visiting our grandparents on a regular basis, and we wanted our kids to have that as well. Visiting once or twice a year just isn't the same as seeing Grandma and Grandpa twice a month."
The opportunity for the couple and their two children, Garrett, 7, and Ashley, 2, to live closer to family came in March 2008 when he was offered a position as a systems engineer at the state's largest power plant, Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station, located 50 miles north of Bismarck, near the city of Underwood.
Pozarnsky admits he had been cynical about the wages he could expect in North Dakota. "I didn't have the true story until I applied for this job and saw what companies here will do for employees."
The job with Great River Energy offered the salary and career challenges he had sought. It was the perfect opportunity to return home, to the way of life he and his wife remembered growing up and now wanted for their own children.
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| "A lot of people don't realize North Dakota has a lot to offer, especially in our country's struggling economy." |
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The Place to Be"
A lot of people don't realize North Dakota has a lot to offer, especially in our country's struggling economy. Our state is still looking for people to hire," he said. "You don't have to leave the state to make a good salary. There are excellent opportunities here, particularly in the energy industry."
Pozarnsky shared that message and the story of his return with educators and counselors during a recent "career conversation," a program coordinated by the North Dakota Department of Commerce that educates high school students and their supporters about strong career opportunities in North Dakota.
"If someone is looking at building a career in engineering within the energy industry, North Dakota is the place to be," he said.
Small town life in North Dakota doesn't necessarily mean a small paycheck. "There are good paying jobs in rural communities if you have the right education," he said. "That's a unique thing about this state. Usually, high-paying professional jobs are in metropolitan areas where people may have to commute two hours one way to get to work."
For people contemplating a return to the state, Pozarnsky encourages exploring the job market here. "You might be surprised by the opportunities and how salaries compare to large cities like Minneapolis," he said. "Companies may be competing for employees and will do what it takes to hire them."
Country Living
Leaving provided Pozarnsky a new perspective on the state. "I grew up here and took a lot of aspects-like the great outdoor activities we have-for granted. I had to leave to appreciate what I had."
The Pozarnsky family is enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of their country home and the community of Turtle Lake.
It used to take him an hour to drive 18 miles to work in the heavy Dallas traffic. Now, it's 20 minutes to drive the 25 miles to the plant. "The only things I have to worry about are deer and the occasional pheasant," he said.
His children love country living. "There's always something for them to do, and they love the snow," he said. "I look at how they have come to know their grandparents since we returned and the relationships they've developed. Now their grandparents can be there for games, birthdays and all the little events that really make the difference."
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